David Cullinane (Sinn Fein)

I am last out of the traps. I welcome the Minister of State to the House and the Bill. I would welcome any Bill which enhances and protects animal welfare.

I join other speakers in acknowledging the role of the industry in the economy and in cultural life, as Senator Ó Domhnaill mentioned. My city, Waterford, has an excellent greyhound track. Many people, as previous Senators have done, give up their time and love the sport in which they are involved. It is part of life for them. We are dealing with a small minority of people who do not treat dogs in the correct manner.

The vast majority of trainers, owners and breeders care for their dogs, there is no question about that, but unfortunately a minority see their dogs as little more than a commodity to be expended once their breeding or racing lives have come to an end. This Bill is welcome as it seeks to deal with the sharp end of the greyhound business. Often greyhound bitches are bred time and again in the search for a champion. I welcome the fact that contained within the Bill is a clause which means that greyhounds can only produce six litters or, in exceptional circumstances where a vet certifies that pregnancy and birth do not represent a risk to the health and welfare of the bitch, there can be two additional litters.

I also welcome the fact that greyhounds cannot be bred until the age of 15 months. The Bill also puts in place stronger checks for kennels to provide suitable accommodation, food, drink, bedding material, exercise, inspections, medical welfare and protection in cases of emergency. I retain some concerns, especially around the issue of retiring greyhounds. The issue was debated in the Dáil.

The average greyhound comes into top speed between the ages of two and four. However, as we know, many live until they are 14 years of age and given their short racing life we need to protect the welfare of retired greyhounds. There are some greyhound refuges in Ireland but more needs to be done to ensure greyhounds are looked after. I support Senator Landy's call to ensure local authorities are adequately equipped and resourced to have enough welfare officers to carry out inspections and ensure proper enforcement of this Bill, if passed. He also made a reasonable proposal regarding dog wardens. Will the Minister consider giving extra resources to those areas where there is a proliferation of breeding, training and ownership of greyhounds?

Other related legislation will enhance animal welfare. There is, however, a need to see progress on the related dog breeding establishment legislation to ensure similar levels of welfare and care are granted not just to greyhounds but to all dogs. I look forward to seeing progress on the animal health and welfare Bill which will update the existing 1911 Act to the standards expected in this century.

If the Welfare of Greyhounds Bill is enacted, those in the industry have nothing to fear but everything to gain. If animal and greyhound welfare is at the heart of the industry, the majority of breeders and owners can only benefit. I commend the Bill.